Hayward EC40AC Perflex Extended-Cycle D.E. Pool Filter Review

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(More customer reviews)I own a 18' diameter above-ground pool. For the last 6 years I have used the Mustek cartridge filter that came with the pool kit I purchased. While the Mustek filter did a good job (and still had at least 1-2 years remaining life), I grew increasingly tired of unscrewing the canister (sometimes twice per day) to clean the filter. This unscrewing feels alot like wrestling a bear. So, unless you are into pool-side wrestling, I strongly suggest buying the Hayward unit.
If you are not familiar with a Diatomaceous Earth (aka DE) filter, there are a few significant differences from other filters. The DE comes dry and has the consistency of sifted flour (you will need to buy this separately, at around $1 per pound). You use 4# at a time, pouring it right into the skimmer unit. Once pumped into your filter, the DE becomes the filter. Once too much pressure builds up inside the filter, you will need to 'bump' it, which consists of turning off the pump, pulling the filter handle up and down 3 times, and turning the pump back on. Easy.
This season I opened the pool to the greenest water I've experienced in 7 years or, as I called it, 'my 7000 gallon science project'. It did take the Hayward 2-3 weeks to completely filter out the gunk, however, I have never experienced crystal-clear pool water like this before. I love this filter!
Be advised, though, that the kit is not perfect. The instructions could be clearer, so read them carefully (over and over if necessary). Also, if you will be connecting flexible hoses to it, like I did, you will need 2 adapters. The two filter orifices are both threaded-female, so you will need 2 male-to-male adapters (one side threaded, the other smooth). I found them at my neighborhood pool supplier. My kit also included a shut-off valve, which has proven a convenient addition.
I changed out the DE after about a month, after bumping it many times. The new DE may last me the rest of the pool season (2-3 months--hey, I'm in Minnesota and not Miami). So, this convenient, hassle-free filter will cost me about $8 of DE per season. Cheap. Despite the short-comings of the instructions and lack of adapters, I still give this filter a solid 5 stars--it's just awesome!

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